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Investigation Launched into Vienna's Spanish Riding School over Lipizzaner Welfare Allegations

Austrian authorities have launched an investigation into Vienna's Spanish Riding School after staff reported alleged mistreatment of young Lipizzaner horses in a 2023 internal survey. Agriculture and environment minister Norbert Totschnig has ordered an internal audit; the school denies any cruelty and says horse welfare is its top priority. The inquiry follows the dismissal of the managing director over expense irregularities and comes as a new supervisory board is set to be appointed this week.

09:56 PM, 11/25/2025Culture
Investigation Launched into Vienna's Spanish Riding School over Lipizzaner Welfare Allegations

Austrian authorities have opened an investigation into the Spanish Riding School in Vienna after staff reported alleged mistreatment of young Lipizzaner horses in a 2023 internal survey. The ministry overseeing the institution has commissioned an internal audit to examine the claims.

Official response and next steps

Agriculture and environment minister Norbert Totschnig said he was treating the allegations "very seriously" and immediately asked the internal audit office to carry out a formal investigation. The probe is intended to determine whether the reported incidents indicate systemic problems or isolated misunderstandings.

"We take these allegations very seriously and have commissioned an immediate internal audit," said Minister Norbert Totschnig.

School statement

The Spanish Riding School, founded in 1565 and recognised by UNESCO, strongly rejected claims of cruelty. In an official statement the institution said there has "never been any mistreatment of our horses" and emphasized that the well-being of its Lipizzaners is a top priority. It added that staff feedback from the 2023 survey was reviewed and incorporated into existing quality and animal welfare processes.

Context

The case comes amid a recent management shake-up: the school's managing director was dismissed in September following questions about expense reporting. A new supervisory board is due to be appointed this week as part of broader governance changes. The audit and any resulting board actions are expected to clarify standards and oversight at the school.

About the Lipizzaners

The Spanish Riding School breeds its own Lipizzaner horses, which are famed for classical dressage movements such as canters and pirouettes performed to music by riders in traditional tailcoats. The Lipizzaner lineage dates to the 16th century, when they were first developed by the Habsburg monarchy; the breed traces its roots to Spanish, Arabian and Berber stock.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities and the school have both indicated they will cooperate with auditors and review any recommended changes to animal welfare and management practices.

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